Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Child and Family Service teamed up with various local partners to host a Festival of Hope for Families drive-through event offering local individuals and families direct resources, services, and chef-prepared meals on Saturday in Ocean View.
Part of a series of events, the Festival of Hope for Families helps provide needed supplies, resources, screenings, and family friendly activities to those in need during the pandemic crisis. More than 200 families attended the event.
This family focused festival followed social distancing guidelines and required that all attendees remain in their cars while driving through festival booths where groceries, chef-prepared meal kits, Community Resource Kits, PPE items, and educational resources were distributed.
Attendees also received a Child and Family Service Family Lokahi Kit, which included items purchased and donated by local organizations and businesses, like children’s books by local authors, card games, activity books, parenting and family resources, stress relief ideas, and hotline information. Lokahi Kits also included educational materials and a pack of CFS Family Talk Story Cards, which include a range of questions for parents and children alike with the goal of sparking conversation and bringing families closer together.
“With new hope for a new year, we’re delighted to hold our first Festival of Hope for Families of 2021 in Ocean View. We’re grateful for our community partners and their generous donations that made this event possible. It’s an honor to be welcomed into the community and offer a helping hand during the pandemic,” said Karen Tan, CFS president and CEO.
Saturday’s event was part of a series of drive-through giveaways throughout the state during the COVID-19 crisis. Child and Family Service partners with various organizations to offer this fun event for the community to help those impacted by COVID-19 including: Robert C. &Helen F. Nichols Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation, Under My Umbrella, Chef Hui, West Hawaii Community Health Center, Neighborhood Place of Kona, Parents and Children Together (PACT), Kai Loki’s, St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Ulu Wini Family Assessment Center, Project Zorro, Keiki Heroes, Alii Health Center, County of Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney, Family Support Hawaii, and Ka’u Food Pantry.
Know a Hometown Hero who should be highlighted next Wednesday? It can be anybody, from a youngster doing good for the community, to a professional helping with the COVID-19 pandemic, or even a kupuna! Please send your nominations to cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com with the subject: Hometown Heroes Nomination. Please include the hero’s name, contact information and what makes them a hero.